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Science News Archive April 2006 - Page 14


Page 14 of 15

Teens turn to pot after parental bust-ups

A new study by the University of Queensland research has found a link between cannabis use and marital changes in children up to age 21. Children who experienced more frequent changes in their parents' marital status were more likely to report cannabis use, with almost half having used cannabis at some point.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 3, 2006

Using stem cells to repair torn tendons

Researchers have successfully induced neotendon formation in mesenchymal stem cells using the Smad8 signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to new cell-based therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 3, 2006

Avian flu modeled on supercomputer, explores vaccine and isolation options for thwarting a pandemic

A large-scale model simulates the spread of a pandemic influenza virus in the US population, exploring the impact of interventions such as vaccination and social distancing. The study finds that stockpiling vaccines and implementing a combination of mitigation strategies could be effective in slowing the spread of the flu.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

Western prairies face impending water crisis

The western prairies in Canada are facing a dire water crisis due to climate change, drought, and human activity. The region's glaciers are dwindling, snowpacks are decreasing, and precipitation evaporation is increasing, exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

The effects of mood and emotional state on decision making

Research reveals that people's mood can influence their choices, particularly in situations involving risk-taking behavior, social interactions, and financial decisions. The studies found that thinking about one's own mood can increase concern with the pleasurable consequences of decisions, leading to less optimal outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateApr 3, 2006

Resident birds display migratory restlessness

African stonechats exhibit spontaneous nocturnal activity echoing that of European stonechats, indicating the presence of Zugunruhe. The researchers propose that this migratory program may be a common avian feature, allowing birds to adapt to environmental changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 3, 2006

Using HPV testing to screen for cervical cancer

A study analyzing patient data from over 60,000 women across six countries reveals HPV testing is highly sensitive and reproducible, with a sensitivity rate of 96% overall. Cytology was less effective but more specific in older women.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 3, 2006

TV viewing during lunch affects preschool children's intake

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who watched TV during lunch ate significantly less than those who did not. However, children who frequently watched TV also tended to eat more on TV days, suggesting a potential link between TV viewing and overeating in young children.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateApr 3, 2006

One big biology question solved

A team led by Dr Josephine Bowles and Professor Peter Koopman discovered that retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, triggers the beginning of meiosis in female embryos, resulting in egg production. In males, an enzyme suppresses meiosis until after birth, leading to sperm production.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2006

Relative risks of cirrhosis from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients develop fewer complications than hepatitis C patients, but those with normal liver functions still face mortality risk from sepsis and cardiac events. The study highlights the importance of future therapeutic interventions for NASH patients.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateApr 3, 2006

Excess television may lead to extra weight for preschoolers

A study of 1,016 children found that those exposed to more than two hours of television per day were more likely to be overweight at ages 36 months and 54 months. The research suggests that even background TV exposure can contribute to weight gain through unhealthy snacking and advertising.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006